Top Ten Albums of 2009
If I had to sum up 2009, I would say there were two overriding themes. One, women fared extremely well in the music scene, and second, this year also saw numerous bands not quite living up to their expectations. Overall, 2009 was rather sub-par in my opinion, which is sort of depressing when considering it closed out the decade, but there are certainly some decent albums to be heard.
1. Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Sometimes even the hipsters get it right. This album is a fun and fresh ride that has equally enjoyable moments from start to finish.
2. U2: No Line on the Horizon
U2 has seemed to really come into their own this decade with three fantastic albums, but it's the bookends that are their strongest. It's no All That You Can't Leave Behind, but No Line on the Horizon is pretty damn stellar.
3. El Grupo Nuevo De Omar Rodriguez Lopez: Cryptomnesia
Create a circle of three 200 watt amps - all turned up to eleven, a drum set, and sit in the middle. Plug in all the instruments and put in place a manic drummer, and let them go wild. That will prepare you for Cryptomnesia.
4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs: It's Blitz!
It's arguably the Yeah Yeah Yeahs weakest album to date, but that by no means is a knock on It's Blitz! The trio traded the guitar for synths and while it sounds radically different, the philosophy is still the same. Karen O just does her thing.
5. The Dead Weather: Horehound
The most important rock icon of the decade does it again. Nobody out there is nearly as versatile and talented as Jack White. Everything he touches automatically turns to gold. Put him on drums, guitar, vocals, whatever, in the end you will always get some amazing music.
6. Wolfmother: Cosmic Egg
Cosmic Egg features a band that should be more aptly titled Andrew Stockdale and crew. This is not the trio that made the epic debut, and with an added guitarist the focus isn't quite as honed in as the debut, but for Sabbath esque rockers minus Ozzy's annoying voice, Cosmic Egg is exactly the place to look.
7. St. Vincent: Actor
An incredibly original album that's insanely whimsical and odd. I keep asking myself why do I run back to this album so often? And I still haven't reached a satisfying answer.
8. Regina Spektor: Far
Regina Spektor brought in the big guns to produce Far, and with all those big egos producing her album, it doesn't sound as true as her previous releases. However, her signature touches flood the album. I mean, who else would sing like a dolphin (See "Folding Chair")?
9. Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavilion
Almost like a psychedelic freak out that's so spacey that it sounds like it was birthed in a different galaxy.
10. Metric: Fantasies
This album comes across extremely polished and safe, but sometimes a nice little pop album doesn't hurt and Metric hasn't forgotten how to write memorable hooks. "Gimme Sympathy" is possibly the best song of their career.
Runner Up:
Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster
Yeah, you read it right. I haven't even listened to this album, but I will tell you what, there is nobody in pop who is as talented as Lady Gaga. She writes her own music, she's wild, theatrical, and has performed the catchiest songs of the decade. You would be very hard pressed to find songs on the radio that are as good as "Bad Romance" or "Poker Face". While most pop sensations are total fakes whose looks take precedent over their music - which they don't even write - Lady Gaga is true to herself and has an amazing talent. This is for getting cheated out of the Grammy nominations this year.
For other best of lists for 2009, check out these sites:
All Metal Resource — http://allmetalresource.com/
Bring Back Glam — http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/
Hair Metal Mansion — http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/
Hard Rock Hideout — http://hardrockhideout.com/
Hard Rock Nights – http://hardrocknights.wordpress.com
Heavy Metal Addiction — http://heavymetaladdiction.com/
Imagine Echoes — http://www.imagineechoes.com/
Layla’s Classic Rock — http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/
Metal Excess- http://metalexcess.com/
The Metal Minute — http://rayvanhornjr.blogspot.com/
Metal Odyssey — http://metalodyssey.wordpress.com/
Rock Of Ages — http://rockofages.wordpress.com/
The Ripple Effect — http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/
1. Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Sometimes even the hipsters get it right. This album is a fun and fresh ride that has equally enjoyable moments from start to finish.
2. U2: No Line on the Horizon
U2 has seemed to really come into their own this decade with three fantastic albums, but it's the bookends that are their strongest. It's no All That You Can't Leave Behind, but No Line on the Horizon is pretty damn stellar.
3. El Grupo Nuevo De Omar Rodriguez Lopez: Cryptomnesia
Create a circle of three 200 watt amps - all turned up to eleven, a drum set, and sit in the middle. Plug in all the instruments and put in place a manic drummer, and let them go wild. That will prepare you for Cryptomnesia.
4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs: It's Blitz!
It's arguably the Yeah Yeah Yeahs weakest album to date, but that by no means is a knock on It's Blitz! The trio traded the guitar for synths and while it sounds radically different, the philosophy is still the same. Karen O just does her thing.
5. The Dead Weather: Horehound
The most important rock icon of the decade does it again. Nobody out there is nearly as versatile and talented as Jack White. Everything he touches automatically turns to gold. Put him on drums, guitar, vocals, whatever, in the end you will always get some amazing music.
6. Wolfmother: Cosmic Egg
Cosmic Egg features a band that should be more aptly titled Andrew Stockdale and crew. This is not the trio that made the epic debut, and with an added guitarist the focus isn't quite as honed in as the debut, but for Sabbath esque rockers minus Ozzy's annoying voice, Cosmic Egg is exactly the place to look.
7. St. Vincent: Actor
An incredibly original album that's insanely whimsical and odd. I keep asking myself why do I run back to this album so often? And I still haven't reached a satisfying answer.
8. Regina Spektor: Far
Regina Spektor brought in the big guns to produce Far, and with all those big egos producing her album, it doesn't sound as true as her previous releases. However, her signature touches flood the album. I mean, who else would sing like a dolphin (See "Folding Chair")?
9. Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavilion
Almost like a psychedelic freak out that's so spacey that it sounds like it was birthed in a different galaxy.
10. Metric: Fantasies
This album comes across extremely polished and safe, but sometimes a nice little pop album doesn't hurt and Metric hasn't forgotten how to write memorable hooks. "Gimme Sympathy" is possibly the best song of their career.
Runner Up:
Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster
Yeah, you read it right. I haven't even listened to this album, but I will tell you what, there is nobody in pop who is as talented as Lady Gaga. She writes her own music, she's wild, theatrical, and has performed the catchiest songs of the decade. You would be very hard pressed to find songs on the radio that are as good as "Bad Romance" or "Poker Face". While most pop sensations are total fakes whose looks take precedent over their music - which they don't even write - Lady Gaga is true to herself and has an amazing talent. This is for getting cheated out of the Grammy nominations this year.
For other best of lists for 2009, check out these sites:
All Metal Resource — http://allmetalresource.com/
Bring Back Glam — http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/
Hair Metal Mansion — http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/
Hard Rock Hideout — http://hardrockhideout.com/
Hard Rock Nights – http://hardrocknights.wordpress.com
Heavy Metal Addiction — http://heavymetaladdiction.com/
Imagine Echoes — http://www.imagineechoes.com/
Layla’s Classic Rock — http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/
Metal Excess- http://metalexcess.com/
The Metal Minute — http://rayvanhornjr.blogspot.com/
Metal Odyssey — http://metalodyssey.wordpress.com/
Rock Of Ages — http://rockofages.wordpress.com/
The Ripple Effect — http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/
posted by Jeff at 8:03 AM
7 Comments:
Re Lady Gaga - I couldn't agree more. She is the real deal and has already edged the crown from Madonna's fading head. She's talented and completely bonkers - what more do you need? 'The Fame' is in my top albums of the decade list (see:http://mwarminger.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-of-noughties.html)
Can't wait to see what she has in store for 2010!
Nice list although I don't necessarily agree (or even know some of the bands you mention. However, I do agree with you about Jack White - he can just about do no wrong.
I was really looking forward to Wolfmother's new album, but I haven't even listened to it yet. I'm almost scared to hear it...I don't want to be disappointed after the debut.
I saw Lady Gaga interviewed and she impressed the heck out of me with her INTELLIGENCE. This woman knows herself, is passionate about her art and has complete confidence without coming across as arrogant. She's got the courage to be true to herself and that is very appealing.
PS I never heard her music and probably would not like it, but I like her!
musicobsessive - I'm glad you agree!
YourZ - Jack White is the artist of the decade in my opinion.
thewritersjourney - I don't think it lived up to the debut, but it certainly holds up well. It's definitely a good album.
Layla - For such a crazy performer she appears to be very down to earth, and that's what I like about her. When I first heard her interviewed I expected some moronic interview with someone who sounds like they didn't complete the 1st grade but she sounded intelligent, and very humbled to be in the position she's in. I was extremely impressed.
I was actually tossing up between a few; Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and Jack White. According to Uncut Magazine, Jack is their pick, so there you go.
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